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Thursday, January 23, 2014

DIY Photo Pendant for under $2.50!

It's freezing outside and I don't want to leave my house! I'm using this "indoor" time to get some of my crafting projects done. I'm planning on giving these necklaces for mothers day, but they would be perfect for birthdays or Valentine's day too. These are really pretty and cost less than $2.50 each!

What you'll need:

*You can use any shape/size/color pendant with coordinating glass pieces.Items at Hobby Lobby typically go on sale every other week. I NEVER pay full price for anything at the craft stores. You don't need much glue/glaze for this project, they should last you thru several more projects.

Photos printed on heavy duty paper or cardstock to desired size- make sure ink has dried a min 4 hrs.

X-Acto Knife

Rubber Mallet

Step 1:
Add a small amount of Diamond Glaze to back of glass circle. Spread around with tip of dispenser or toothpick. Press gently on photo to remove bubbles and hold for 30 seconds. *Note: do not wiggle it around too much as that will smear photo ink. If you make a mistake (or see bubbles), don't worry - Diamond Glaze is water soluable, you can wash off the glaze and paper from the glass piece and try again. Allow to dry overnight.

Step 3:
Add a small amount of E-6000 adhesive to the inside of pendant (once this dries- it can't be undone) and press glass piece with photo into pendant. If needed, tap (may need a few taps) glass piece into pendant. Remove any extra glue/paper with X-Acto knife that may have pushed out around edges of pendant. Allow to dry 4 hrs.

Step 4:
Place pendant on any chain, ribbon, or key ring you choose. *You may need to add a jump ring to fit pendant on some chains. Done! Wrap and give as gift...or keep it for yourself ;)

I purchased the Diamond Glaze at Walmart, but you can also find it online from a variety of vendors. The rest of the materials should be available at any craft store. There are many different sizes and styles to choose from.

I have tried this with diamond glaze and modge podge and it always blurs the photo and ends up looking like my 5 year old made it. I tried the self adhesive seal-itz strips this weekend ad they work much better.

I've found that a lesser amount of diamond glaze and minimal fussing works best. Don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of ones that smudged, but since diamond glaze is water soluable, you can just wash up and start over. I always print extras.

Thank you for the tip on the seal-itz strips. I'll be sure to give them a try. Any idea how well the seal holds up over time?

I think this is a great idea. I want to make some right now, but I have none of the supplies. I have one question though. After the Diamond Glaze dries, does it still wash up? If the pendant gets wet, is it ruined, a loss?

Since the dried Diamond Glaze is behind the glass (and it should fit pretty tight into the pendant) a couple of drops of water on the outside shouldn't be a problem if wiped up right away. If you jump in the pool or take a shower with it on however, it will most likely be ruined.

You're referring to the chain with the leaves correct? That is actually a lia sophia necklace that is discontinued. I would recommend checking out ebay, sometimes they have discontinued styles available.

If you've not found the desired chain, I believe I've seen some similar (with the leaves) at JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts. Even if not, they have tons of awesome chains that are sure to please. I can't wait to make these four my daughters and one for myself with all 6 grandbabies on it! Thanks for sharing, Sarah!

I always have trouble printing photos to "desired size." Any tips? Like for example, what size was your original photo and what did you pair it down to? I would love to make these for my daughters. Thank you!

I'm really not quite sure if Tacky Glue would hold the same, but the E-6000 is only a couple bucks and holds EXTREMELY well. Hope it works for you and if you decide to go the Tacky Glue route, please leave a comment and let us know how it worked.

I sized the photos individually using photo editing software and made sure that the "center" was approx 1" the same as the pendant. I could have cropped the photo prior to sizing, but wasn't worried about it.

I love the idea and am planning to make this as a gift for a friend. The only problem is I've read about a lot of people on other blogs/sites having issue with the diamond glaze darkening/blurring the photo used? Did you have this issue? Are there any reasons for it/ways around it?

I didn't have any issues with darkening at all. To avoid the blurring, I used a very, very small amount of diamond glaze and pressed it gently (trying not to wiggle much) and then let it set. Since these are tiny, I recommend printing off a few extra photos just in case you make a mistake. It washes up easy and you can start over immediately.

Perhaps printing the pictures with a laser printer would prevent any smearing. I took a class where laser prints were used with water based products and there was no smearing. I happen to have a friend who has this kind of printer. I think some of the office supply stores use laser printers for making prints.

I just finished a bracelet, key-chain and bookmark for my sister. However, I sealed my photos first. You can use any clear spray paint or photo sealer. I used a liquid photo sealer from Hobby Lobby. It recommends that you seal both sides letting dry in between sides. It keeps the pic from any blurring, running or discoloration. I have tried to use the pre-made glass domes in the past but had trouble with one or two in every package distorting the picture underneath. This time I used the liquid resin and poured my own domes. I got the dual resin and hardener plunger pack. It seemed kinda pricey when I purchased it but went a lot further than I expected. It only took half of the amount supplied to do all 6 charms (1/2" ea), a 1.5" pendant and a 1" oval bookmark and I had a little left over. I still have half of the plunger full for next time. It seemed a little scarey at first but with the plunger brand I used, the plungers are attached to one another so you just push on both sides with equal pressure at the same time. You mix in a disposable plastic cup with a craft stick slowly so that you do not create a lot of bubbles. Once I poured, the rest of the tiny bubbles just disappeared. It actually made the pictures look better than before I poured. It does take 6-10 hours to completely dry but the results were worth it. The brand I used is guaranteed to stay crystal clear and is self doming. I really am happy with the results and know my sister will be also. Just my thoughts and experience.

Forgot to mention that all of the supplies are available on Ebay. Just be sure to check your prices. Some of the sellers have their prices way to high for the same amount of resin and hardener and the bezels.

Is there anything that can be used instead of Diamond glue? I can't find the thing, nobody ever heard of it in this neck of the woods... I wonder if Aleene's Paper Glue Gaze can be used instead? I found it in the local Pat-Catans. Thanks for sharing this beautiful craft.

OK, I looked and found Diamond Glaze online—yay! The medallions are really tiny, but the final product is very pretty. I made three so far with just the faces from: Botticelli's Venus, a Pompeii fresco some believe to be Safo, and a Madonna from Sanzio. Fell in love with all of them, and won't part with them, no, no, no! OK, I'm calm... Now, for a little bit of my experience making these. It's a bit tricky to get the exact size--especially because they are so tiny. I suggest you save your tries in Word; once you find the perfect size, put all other images in the same Word page and hit save, so you will have a good reference for the future. (This stuff is definitely addictive, so you'll infallibly make more, believe me!) It seems the glaze makes the pictures a bit lighter than the original; no big deal though. After the glaze dries and you cut the excess paper, before you glue glass to pendant, you can try it to see if it will fit into the pendant; it's a bit tricky to get it out, but don't panic and it will come out eventually. The E-6000 is black (yes!) so when I first squirted it on the pendant I was afraid it would taint the picture; didn't happen. They look gorgeous. Thanks for sharing this nice project. Emilia

I'm so glad you're having fun making these Emilia! Thank you for all your wonderful feedback. Please share a pic of your finished product on my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SavingWithSarah I would love to see them!

Hi! Is there anything instead of diamond glaze that I can buy? I live in the Virgin Islands and we don't have that many options for shipping or buying. I buy from Hobby Lobby all the time and would love to try to make these, but need something instead of diamond glaze since I can't find this at Hobby Lobby. Anything you would or could recommend from Hobby Lobby.com that could do the trick? Thanks!

HELP~I'm in need of doing this with a small rectangular pendant, anyone know if they sell clear glass dome shapes other than the round? If not, any ideas on another way to seal the photo in something similar...Thanks Bunches, Terri

I've seen several different shapes in the craft stores. If you can't find one that suits your needs, someone suggested trying Seal-itz instead. I'm not sure what shapes are available, but hopefully you can find one in your desired shape.

I so appreciate you posting this - I definitely want to try doing this! What nice gifts they would make..But I don't have a printer...could I do this with regular photographs I have orimages I could cut out from greeting cards, etc.?

I don't see why not. I haven't applied the Diamond Glaze directly to a regular photograph, so I would definitely try it on a "test" photo first. If it has any discoloration issues, I would suggest laminating it first or trying out the Seal-itz self adhesives mentioned in previous comments.

I work at a photography studio, and we print thousands upon thousands of photos a year. We are using an newer technology for our prints. They are called Dye Sublimation, or a Thermal Burn. These photos are made up of 6 layers of dyed colored plastic pressed together with a layer of lamination over it. There is ABSOLUTELY NO INK in the photos. They are waterproof, fingerproof, smudge proof, even fade proof and guaranteed to an upwards of 100 years. We have been selling these prints for around 4 years now and have only had one time where it was returned due to a defect. You can purchase these prints at most Wal-Marts, (they are a little more expensive than your regular prints abut $5 for an 8x10, but well worth it). Just ask the photo tech for their "plastic" prints.

Hey Sarah, these look great and I'm definitely going to attempt creating my own. I hope you don't mind but I used your photo and mentioned you in my blog post. It's not live yet but if you want me to edit it just let me know :) x

These are fantastic and would make some truly original photo gifts! I've been looking around for some new ideas for photo gifts to make this Christmas and I found this. Couldn't have discovered a better blog ;)

Ive ordered the pendants but can't get them before christmas :( such a lovely idea and thank you for sharing.....i would also like to say how you are very kind in answering everyones questions....just wish i could find a supplier in England :)

Bummer you won't get your supplies in time for Christmas, but there's always birthdays and other holidays for the ladies! I'm always happy to answer your questions and so glad that you all enjoy these posts. Thank you.

Funny you have a hard time finding these items in England - I'm always wishing I could find some baking supplies that England has here :)

Sarah - I love this idea and want to take it one step further using the finished glass picture stones for a mosaic on a pot or frame. Any idea what effect the grout will have on the photo? I know the glass stones will be fine... thanks!

I don't think you'll be able to get the size print you're looking for at the drugstore. I would recommend creating a letter size document (using your preferred program) with the photos sized down and saving it to a USB, and heading on down to Office Max or Office Depot. They'll be able to print it on any type of paper you like and may even be able to adjust the size for you.

Thank you so much for this idea. I will be making a bracelet for my grandmother of all of her grandchildren. I do DIY a lot but have never done jewelry. I read through the comments and I was just curious about the type of paper you used. Did you buy a whole pack of cardstock? Do you know the cheapest way of going about this. I am only printing about 6 pictures.

Wow! I am glad I stumbled on your idea. I am only sorry I did not find it a little earlier. My family lost all pictures and family keepsakes a few years ago during hurricane Katrina. I will be using your idea to create new family keepsakes from the few photos I had located in another state. I am sure my mother will love this as a gift idea. I can also make multiple gifts that can be passed down through generations to come. Thank you very much.

I haven't tried this project yet but do have one concern. I have purchased the glass "domes" in the past and found that they aren't usually perfectly round. I imagine the pendant fitting is perfectly round. Have you ever had a problem with this?

Deb, you are correct. They are not perfectly round. This is where the rubber mallet comes in handy. You may have to tap them into the pendant fitting a bit. I noticed some were tighter fitting than others, but was able to tap them all in without too much effort and NO breakage. Hope this helps.